- Joined
- Mar 30, 2012
- Messages
- 431
- Reaction score
- 101
I think it's safe to say you're going to match but the big question is where? Unlike many fields, location is much of a bigger issue in rad onc (more for residency but also for permanent jobs) and that limitation may be your greatest weakness.
In regards to your stats: Let's just say a lot of PD's will be sending you love letters!
Thx RadOnc21 for taking time to provide your input. I have long hesitated between Rads and RadOnc. Both have a tough job market, but I feel that Rads offers more possibilities in term of location. Yet, RadOnc is more interesting to me and despite geographic limitations, I think I would be happier in academic RadOnc. Being a parents of two, I also worry about going to a place where my wife and I can afford "enough house" for our family and that alone makes a lot of places out of reach (essentially coasts and attractive cities), with good schools. Texas and Dallas in particular has been great so far for these reasons (OK I commute to work and hate traffic). Any state and city that is not usually seen as desirable for young applicants will likely be an option for me. So I am very open. But it is true that now, my wife has a job here, my kids go to a great school, and we have a house, which is not a palace but decent and spacious enough to make do for the time being. Thus, sticking around is simply the least disruptive thing to do if possible. My wife is not opposed to a new start but we know that it will be an emotional roller coaster, should I have to move because some separation (at least temporary) will take place, which will be awful for us and particularly my kids.
Anyway I am comforted to know that I do have a shot at this career. I can't wait to start 4th year and get all that match process started (and over with)...
Thanks again to all willing to provide an input. It is much appreciated.